About Whale Watching in St Lucia
St Lucia on the elephant coast has boat-based whale watching trips to see these enigmatic giants who migrate annually from summer feeding grounds close to the poles, to the Equator where it is warmer for winter breeding.
Did you know? When you think of whale song, you think of the sound that the humpback whale makes. Their collection of moans, cries and howls can continue for hours and have made them rather famous.
St Lucia is a veritable Mecca for those that love wildlife and the outdoors that make South Africa such a desirable destination. It is situated in the balmy coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal, which has a humid climate that yields plenty of lush, subtropical greenery. The Indian Ocean laps along the full length of this coastline, which means warm waters and plenty of swimming opportunities.
St Lucia and the chance of seeing humpback whales ~ However, these waters are also loved by the many whales that frequent this part of the ocean, just a stone's throw from the sand, every year. These are most often seen between mid-June and November. The most prolific species of whale seen off the coast of St Lucia is the playful, but enormous, humpback whale.
This cetacean is known for its charming antics and energetic performances, which are always a delight for onlookers. In fact, St Lucia has been rated one of the top whale watching sites in the country, thanks to having the highest recorded boat-based sightings of whales for the 2000, 2001 and 2002 period. In fact, to achieve this, St Lucia recorded almost 800 sightings. In second place was Shelley Beach, with only 145 sightings, which indicates how very popular St Lucia is among these playful cetaceans.
Because this part of the South African coastline is so warm, it is a common area in which the whales mate and give birth. Therefore, spectators will often see adult whale mothers swimming with a young calf at their side. This is a very special sight, leaving lasting memories for those that get to witness it.
Formal boat tours and whale watching expeditions are a must for first-time visitors. Between June and October, sightings of whales are all but guaranteed. Tourists are also very likely to spot a wide variety of other wildlife, including plenty of curious dolphins. which is what makes Whale watching in St Lucia so great!
Need to Know
WhereWhale Watching in St Lucia, St Lucia, Elephant Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenAnnually between mid-June and November.
OvernightStay in St Lucia Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAll About The Whales
Want to go whale watching in South Africa? South Africa is known as one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Explore our 'whale watching' pages below to find out when, where and how to see the whales in South Africa...
The Whale Route
The Whales
Where to See Whales
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in St Lucia
Marlin Lodge
Marlin Lodge is a Bed & Breakfast in St Lucia, KwaZulu Natal. The spacious rooms each have an outside entrance and open onto the patio leading on...
Kwalucia Private Safari Retreat
Located in the beautiful town of St Lucia, Kwalucia Private Safari Retreat offers accommodation in four suites. Kwalucia Private Safari Retreat i...
Maputaland Guest House
Maputaland Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in the area of St Lucia. We are well known for our warm hospitality, comfortable ac...
Parkers Cottages
Found in the town of St Lucia, Parkers Cottages offers bed and breakfast accommodation in a number of rooms and cottages. The accommodation is ju...
Lourie @ Leopard Tree
Lourie Apartment offers holiday accommodation at Leopard Tree Lodge in St Lucia. The lodge is located in the street closest to the beach, within...
Break-A-Wave
Discover the serene beauty of St Lucia at Break-A-Wave in Manzini Chalets, located within the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, South Africa's inau...
Flamboyant Apartments
Flamboyant Apartments are affordable self-catering holiday apartments in St Lucia located in a secure complex. St Lucia is home to South Africa's...
33 The Bridge
33 The Bridge is a holiday apartment providing accommodation for up to six guests with a view of the estuary in St Lucia. Guests may even get luc...
Perna Perna
Perna Perna offers accommodation in a secure complex which is ideally situated a few minutes' drive from the town's restaurants and tour companie...
The Bridge 31
The Bridge 31 is a comfortable three bedroom apartment which is located in St Lucia. This is the ideal place for a family wanting to get away for...
The Bridge 19
The Bridge 19 is located in a secure resort on the bank of the St Lucia River mouth. The apartment is fully equipped for a self catering holiday ...
Rhino Coast Guesthouse
The Rhino Coast Guesthouse is an upmarket, luxury Bed & Breakfast situated in the town of St. Lucia. It offers a tranquil escape for the discerni...
Manzini Chalet 31
Manzini Chalet 31 is located in iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the banks of the St Lucia Lake. The chalet provides accommodation where guests can e...
Leopard Corner Lodge
Leopard Corner Lodge borders the St Lucia Wetlands, which starts right beside the guest house. Often our guests are lucky enough to catch sight o...
The Bridge 22
The Bridge 22 offers self catering accommodation with a garden view in a secure complex in St Lucia. The St Lucia Estuary is alongside the comple...
The Bridge 21
The Bridge 21 offers self catering accommodation in a secure complex in St Lucia overlooking the St Lucia Estuary. The St Lucia Estuary has one o...
Lake St Lucia Villas
Lake St Lucia Villas is family friendly and offers ground floor, second floor and duplex apartments, which are ideal for a self catering holiday....
Manzini Chalet 5
Manzini Chalet 5 offers self catering accommodation within a very secure complex based on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary. The complex has 24hr...
Sandpiper Guest House
Sandpiper Guesthouse is a bed and breakfast bordering the indigenous forest in the village of St Lucia surrounded by the Isimangaliso Wetland Par...
Villa Mia 5
Villa Mia 5 offers accommodation in St Lucia in a small resort where family and friends can gather and enjoy a variety of activities. The apartme...
St Lucia Ocean View Lodge
St Lucia Ocean View Lodge offers log cabin accommodation set in a beautiful garden where many species of birds and small animals can be found. A ...
Manzini Chalet 10
Manzini Chalet 10 has two bedrooms and one bathroom. The kitchen is fully equipped for self catering. There is a living area with DStv which lead...
Hornbill Family Suite 4
Hornbill Family Suite 4 is a self-catering suite located at Hornbill Family Suites in the heart of the St Lucia Estuary. Experience a relaxed, se...
The Bridge 42
The Bridge 42 offers self catering accommodation in a secure complex in St Lucia. St Lucia is the ideal place to get away from it all, where gues...
Forest Lodge
Forest Lodge is set in a tropical forest and garden, which is unique to the Zululand area of KwaZulu Natal. The lodge offers 17 en-suite rooms wi...
African Thistle
African Thistle is a self-catering apartment situated in the heart of St Lucia in a secure complex and is the perfect getaway for a group or fami...
Manor House St Lucia
Manor House offers a bed and breakfast experience in St Lucia, providing a welcoming retreat for guests looking to explore the area's rich attrac...
Lake St Lucia Lodge
Lake St Lucia Lodge offers self catering, serviced cottages within walking distance of nearby restaurants, shops and pubs on the main street of t...
Cheese Farm & Lodge
Cheese Farm & Lodge is situated 10km from Mtubatuba and 20km from St Lucia and offer self catering accommodation. Surrounded by green forest, the...
The Bridge 29
The Bridge 29 is a self catering holiday apartment for accommodation in St Lucia. The main bedroom has a Queen-size bed and the second bedroom ha...
St Lucia Safari Lodge 1
The unit is air-conditioned and furnished with a Queen-size bed, double bed and a single bed. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering. Th...
The Estuary Guest Chalets
The Estuary Guest Chalets is situated in the heart of St Lucia on the North Coast making it the ideal getaway for a vacation or long weekend for ...
Beach House @ 22 Manzini
Beach House @ 22 Manzini is a self-catering chalet located in the secure Manzini Chalets complex in the lovely town of St Lucia. The chalet is wi...
17 Manzini Holiday Resort
Situated in a secure complex on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary, 17 Manzini Holiday Resort offers accommodation for three adults and two childr...
6 Villa Mia
6 Villa Mia is located in a mini resort offering guests a wide range of opportunities and activities. 6 Villa Mia is the only holiday accommodati...
Ingwenya Lodge
Ingwenya Lodge is situated in St Lucia on the border of the nature reserve, with a view of both the sea and the estuary and offers six self cater...
Makakatana Bay Lodge
Makakatana Bay Lodge is a family owned and run lodge offering accommodation on the western shores of Lake St Lucia, within the iSimangaliso Wetla...
Hornbill Family Suite 1
Hornbill Family Suite 1 is a self-catering suite located at Hornbill Family Suites in the heart of the St Lucia Estuary. Experience a relaxed, se...
Monzi Safaris Lodge
Monzi Safari Lodge is situated 20km outside of St Lucia inside the secure village of Monzi. This security complex has an abundance of bird life a...
Afrikhaya Guest House
Afrikhaya Guest House is a tastefully decorated Bed & Breakfast in St Lucia offering warm hospitality, spacious and stylish well appointed guestr...
Annas' Bed and Breakfast
Anna's B+B is a quality 4 star guesthouse situated within easy walking distance of shops and restaurants. The large spacious house has 4 sunny ai...
Ndiza Lodge and Cabanas
A panoramic view of the Indian Ocean, famous Maphelane dune (second highest dune in the world), the Umfolozi River mouth and part of famous Lake ...
The Bridge 38
The Bridge 38 is an air conditioned apartment located at The Bridge Resort in St Lucia. The complex is situated in the hub of St Lucia, overlooki...
Manzini Chalet 8
Manzini Chalet 8 has two bedrooms and one bathroom. The kitchen is fully equipped for self catering. There is a living area with DStv which leads...
Shonalanga Holiday Apartments
Shonalanga Lodge offers you beautiful one and two bedroom self catering holiday apartments / units in this spectacular setting. Some units are of...
Bulbul at Leopard Tree
Bulbul is a semi-open plan apartment sleeping three adults and one child. The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen and a lounge with a TV with ...
St Lucia Wetlands Guesthouse
International reputation, conveniently located in the safe and visitor friendly residential village of St Lucia, an appealing gateway to the worl...
Pelican Pad @ St Lucia
Pelican Pad @ St Lucia offers accommodation in St Lucia, this lovely little resort is secure, comfortable and friendly. Nicely secluded, the reso...
18 Villa Mia
Located in St Lucia, 18 Villa Mia provides accommodation for six guests. The complex has a communal swimming pool and braai area which guests are...
Villa Mia 9
Villa Mia 9 is a comfortably furnished self-catering holiday apartment in St Lucia ideally located in the secure Villa Mia holiday complex. The c...
Umlilo Lodge
Umlilo Lodge is a guest house situated in the small village of St Lucia, the only private village in the world to be completely surrounded by a W...
Little Eden St Lucia
Little Eden offers up market and tastefully decorated self catering accommodation bordering the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, with real hospitality ...
The Bridge 10
The Bridge 10 offers self catering in St Lucia in a secure complex overlooking the St Lucia Estuary. The St Lucia Estuary has one of the highest ...
St Lucia Kingfisher Lodge
St Lucia Kingfisher Lodge is situated at the edge of town which means that whilst the shops, restaurants and other amenities are only a 10 minute...
Manzini Chalet 9
Manzini Chalet 9 has two bedrooms and one bathroom. The first bedroom is furnished with a Queen-size bed and the second room has two single beds....
Lodge Umusa
Lodge Umusa offers charming, eco-friendly chalets that can be booked on a self-catering or bed-and-breakfast basis. Our lodge in Kosi Bay is a pe...
Hornbill Family Suite 2
Hornbill Family Suite 2 is a self-catering suite located at Hornbill Family Suites in the heart of the St Lucia Estuary. Experience a relaxed, se...
Stokkiesdraai
Located in the main street, this St Lucia accommodation is within walking distance of convenience stores, a launderette, restaurants and a bank. ...
Manzini Chalet Deluxe 37
Manzini Chalet Deluxe 37 is a double-storey house and has three en-suite bedrooms. The open-plan kitchen is fully equipped and in the lounge area...
The Bridge 14
The Bridge 14 offers accommodation in St Lucia in a secure complex overlooking the St Lucia Estuary. Make this beautiful ground floor apartment y...
St Lucia Hilltop Guest House
Hilltop Guest House is a modern guest house with an antique twist. We have combined natural elements to our property and we offer a service that ...
Monzi Safaris Backpackers
Monzi Safaris Backpackers is situated on the main road of St Lucia. We differ from every other backpacker in that we do not have any dorm rooms. ...
Hornbill Family Suite 3
Hornbill Family Suite 3 is a self-catering suite located at Hornbill Family Suites in the heart of the St Lucia Estuary. Experience a relaxed, se...
The Bridge 54
The Bridge 54 is a modern, luxurious apartment offering comfortable accommodation in St Lucia. The accommodation is located at The Bridge Resort ...
St Lucia Ecolodge
St Lucia Ecolodge is situated in a lavish tropical garden with breathtaking views over the St Lucia Wetlands and Estuary mouth of Lake St. Lucia ...
Livingstone Lodge
St Lucia Livingston Lodge, situated in the heart of St Lucia, offers accommodation in luxury suites with free capped Wi-Fi. There is a stunning p...
Pelican's Nest Holiday Home
Pelican's Nest Holiday Home St Lucia is a spacious self catering holiday home in St Lucia. The house has three bedrooms and sleeps up to six gues...
African Dreamz
African Dreamz is a guest house located in the little town of St Lucia, bordering the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Parking is safe behind remote ga...
African Ambience
African Ambience can accommodate a total of nineteen guests and is located in St Lucia which is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The beach ...
The Bridge 28
The Bridge 28 is an air conditioned, self catering apartment at The Bridge Holiday Resort. The accommodation is located in an area where hippos c...
Turtle Bay Lodge
Turtle Bay Lodge offers luxury accommodation in the serene area of St Lucia only a short walk from the town centre and the estuary. Choose from o...
Urban Glamping
Urban Glamping is situated on the main road of St Lucia, the gateway to the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. This Luxury tented lodge is not what you w...
St Lucia At Home
St Lucia At Home is a Holiday Apartment in St Lucia offering self-catering stays for four guests. The complex is secure and offers a communal swi...
Hummingbird @ Leopard Tree
Hummingbird is an open plan apartment situated on the ground floor level of the lodge. The apartment is furnished with a double bed. There is a f...
A La Mer Holiday Home
Situated in St Lucia, A La Mer holiday home offers accommodation just a few minutes' walk from the beach and is perfectly located to enjoy all th...
Santa Lucia Guest House
Santa Lucia Guest House is situated in the area of St Lucia and offers luxury rooms with home comforts and personalised service. This unique home...
Sunset Lodge
Sunset Lodge is situated on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary, a world heritage site. The accommodation is ideally located and is within walking ...
AmaZulu Lodge
AmaZulu Lodge, an "all African lodge", completely thatched, offers you the best of St Lucia Wetlands Park. Built around a huge, tropical inner ga...
At Heritage House
At Heritage House is situated in the heart of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Enjoy the refined style and modern comforts that the house has to offer....
Thonga Beach Lodge
This intimate, luxury 24 bed lodge is nestled on the pristine coast of Maputaland, within the Isimangaliso Park. It's the ideal place to explore ...
St Lucia Safari Lodge 3
St Lucia Safari Lodge 3 is air-conditioned and furnished with a double bed and two single beds. The kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering. ...
Timone's Retreat
Timone's Retreat is a lovely two bedroom chalet offering St Lucia self catering in the Manzini Chalets complex. Timone's Retreat is close to vari...
Meet Mekaar Resort
Regard Meet Mekaar Resorts as your new oasis - everything is at your disposal and everything is included for you to bask in the glory of authenti...
No 6 The Bridge
Located in St Lucia No 6 The Bridge offers comfortable self catering accommodation for up to six guests. This unit is on the first floor, accesse...
Bhangazi Lodge
Bhangazi Lodge is set in the scenic, tranquil tropical St. Lucia town, surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, offering 4 star graded Bed & ...
Luwandla 11
Luwandla 11 is a self-catering holiday house in St Lucia for six guests. Relax in the comfort of a warm and inviting family home and take pleasur...
Weaver @ Leopard Tree
Weaver at Leopard Tree offers accommodating in St Lucia at Leopard Tree Lodge. Being located on the edge of the forest / greenbelt area surround...
Kings Palace
Kings Palace is situated in the beautiful, tropical town of St Lucia, in the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park. Ideal for an overnight stop, your annual...
Wendy's Country Lodge
Wendy's Country Lodge is a nature lover's delight and offers Elephant Coast B&B accommodation in a property with bird life in abundance. The gues...
Kingfisher @ Leopard Tree
Kingfisher Apartment offers comortable holiday accommodating located on the edge of the forest/greenbelt area surrounding St Lucia, provides the ...
Robin @ Leopard Tree
Robin Apartment is an open-plan apartment in St Lucia. The main bedroom is furnished with a Queen-size bed and a bunk bed. There is also a sleepe...
Leopard Tree Lodge
Situated in St. Lucia, one of the most beautiful unspoiled areas and the first World Heritage Site in South Africa, a warm welcome and personal s...
Manzini Chalet 34
Manzini Chalet 34 is a self catering cottage for four guests in two bedrooms in the Manzini Chalets complex in St Lucia. The complex has a commun...
Hornbill at Leopard Tree
Hornbill at Leopard Tree is a self catering apartment in St Lucia sleeping up to six guests. There is a fully fitted kitchen, a sitting area with...
The Bridge 41
41 The Bridge offers self catering accommodation for six guests. The unit is set amongst trees and a marsh; the bird life is abundant. The unit h...
Turaco Guest House
Turaco Guest House offers bed and breakfast accommodation in St Lucia and a peaceful, fully rested break away from home. The location is ideal, S...
Pumba's Den
Pumba's Den offers accommodation in an apartment for four guests. The apartment can be found at Manzini Chalets in St Lucia. Pumba's Den has gard...
Elephant Coast Guesthouse
Elephant Coast Guesthouse offers 4-star bed & breakfast accommodation overlooking the coastal dune forest of The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park. ...
Forest Villas
Forest Villas is an upmarket Lodge in the town of St Lucia, iSimangaliso world heritage site. Each room has a patio which overlooks the tropical ...
Villa Mia 8
Villa Mia 8 offers accommodation in St Lucia in a small resort where family and friends can gather and enjoy a variety of activities. The apartme...
Sparrow @ Leopard Tree
Sparrow Apartment offers accommodating in St Lucia at Leopard Tree Lodge. The lodge is located in the street closest to the beach, within hearin...
Wagtail @ Leopard Tree
Wagtail at Leopard Tree is a self catering holiday apartment in St Lucia sleeping four guests. The lounge has comfy seating, a TV with DStv and W...
Serene-Estate Guesthouse
Serene-Estate Guesthouse is situated at the edge of St Lucia bordering the famous iSimangaliso Wetland Park and only 10 minutes walk from all the...
57 Pelican Street
57 Pelican Street provides pet friendly, self catering accommodation in St Lucia. The house consists of four bedrooms and three full bathrooms. T...
Flamingo Holiday Flats
Flamingo Holiday Flats is situated in St Lucia and offers accommodation within safe walking distance from the numerous restaurants and shops in t...
Flamingo Cove at Manzini Chalets
Flamingo Cove offers guests a relaxing getaway in St Lucia and the complex offers a lovely garden and communal swimming pool. The 5-sleeper chale...
Kiewiet at Leopard Tree
Kiewiet Apartment in St Lucia is located in the street closest to the beach, within hearing distance of the ocean, and on the edge of the forest ...
Kosi Forest Lodge
Kosi Forest Lodge is the only private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve - an unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park...
Lodge Afrique
Lodge Afrique Guest House offers eight free standing luxurious thatched suites, each with full Afro / Victorian bathrooms. Lodge Afrique can cate...
iGwalagwala Guest House
iGwalagwala Guest House is located in The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now known as Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first natural Wor...
Lidiko Lodge
Lidiko Lodge is a 4 star lodge situated in the village of St Lucia, surrounded by the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Set above the Great St Lucia...
Things to do in the area
Cape Vidal Lighthouse
A river, a forest and an ocean are all individual attractions that a good getaway can be planned around. Where there is river, brown earthy soil;...
Whale Watching with St Lucia Charters
Go on an adventure with renowned skipper Danie Bennett, who together with his qualified crew has a treasure-house full of knowledge about the wha...
Cape St Lucia Lighthouse
Despite sounding as though it should lie right on the well-known lake and conservation area, now called the iSimangaliso Wetland park, Cape St Lu...
St Lucia Beach
The unspoilt beach of St Lucia is yet another testimony to the natural splendour of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline. Golden sands and warm blue water...
St Lucia Market
Tucked away in St Lucia at the end of McKenzie Street you will find the most wonderful market. Here you can find a vast selection of curios and f...
Mziki Trail
Start: Mount Tabor hut, iSimangaliso Wetland ParkFinish: Mount Tabor hutDuration: 40 kmFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: head to the Mission...
Igwala Gwala Forest Trail
Start: Eden Park, St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland ParkFinish: St LuciaDuration: 1.5 kmFitness: easy, suitable for all ages, including moms with pr...
Emoyeni Trail
Start: Mission RocksFinish: Mission RocksDuration: 63 km over five daysFitness: fairly fit, particularly as it gets humid, which adds strain to t...
Kayak Safari at Cape Vidal
For visitors to the Elephant Coast that want to experience this area to the fullest, this guided kayak safari takes place in Cape Vidal, where th...
Accommodation convenient to Whale Watching in St Lucia
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Elephant Coast Accommodation / St Lucia Accommodation